QUEENSLAND’S anglers may soon have to pay to fish in saltwater in a move set to reap more than $12 million annually across the state.
A proposal to introduce licences for saltwater fishing is part of a new management plan put to the State Government.
The licence fees could be used to improve fishing facilities like filleting tables and boat ramps, and help toughen up policing to stamp out a “black market” operating in waters off the Queensland coast.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports local veteran fishermen support the controversial move but believe pensioners, children and casual anglers should either be exempt, or receive a discount.
An independent report by MRAG Asia Pacific commissioned by the Newman government urges a fresh look at a licence system.
Queenslanders already need a licence to fish in some stocked impoundments.
“If around 55 per cent of the estimated 639,000 Queenslanders who fish once a year purchase a licence at the same annual fee rate as NSW ($35), around $12,300,750 would be generated annually,” the report said.
“This figure is obviously highly uncertain however and requires more work to be done on Queenslanders’ willingness to pay and what amounts to arrive at a more accurate estimate.”
A recreational licence fee would allow for more promotion of Queensland as a fishing destination and enable authorities to improve compliance, researchers said.
The Government should commit to a “more detailed examination of the cost and benefits introducing an all-waters recreational fishing licence” if it is to implement any new management strategies from the report.
Researchers found the need to strengthen the compliance system was a common theme at all public meetings.
Long-term Coast fisherman and former mayor Denis O’Connell said other States had introduced a fee system which had worked.
“I believe the money that has been received has been well spent on different facilities for anglers,” Mr O’Connell said.
“I think it would probably prove to be popular (here) if it was put back into the recreational industry.”
Southport Amateur Fishing Club president Bernard Gaven said: “I think the members would be happy with a fee system. It would depend on how tall it would be, and who benefits. They start off low and go up.”
Read full story here: http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast-anglers-could-pay-12-million-under-new-fisheries-management-plan/story-fnj94j0t-1227360452873
